The list is almost endless and each has a strength and weakness of its own.

For the most part, we tell our customers that they only really have 2 options that they should consider. Shopify, and WooCommerce.

These are the easiest and simplest to use, have the most functionality and integrations and by far offer the best and most powerful store that you could possibly build online.

Whilst Shopify is VERY user friendly and easy to maintain, it is also very limited in it’s customisations and integrations, and can end up costing you a LOT if you have to pay them to do it for you. You are effectively paying for a managed service when you use their platform.

WooCommerce is built on the WordPress Platform and in that case, means that it’s also a free product. #1 bonus. Secondly, with almost a third of the worlds websites built on the WordPress platform, that means that there is almost an integration for everything that you will need and want it to do. Hence why it’s our favourite!

So, what’s the downside, WordPress requires a little more tech knowledge to manage it well, and thus, is often beyond the basic user….

eBuilt Website Solutions offers services for BOTH, but highly recommends using WordPress is you are paying us to do it, as maintaining it is not so bad once it’s all setup in the first place. This will save you money in the long run too, as you are not paying monthly fees to Shopify that grow with your store.

FAQs

IS THERE ANY ONGOING COST’S INVOLVED?

Yes and No. You will always have your online operating cost’s for your domain and hosting. Something that is fairly small. You will also more than likely be paying for other online services like CRMs and other applications. We do offer to supply monthly management for you, to maintain your site and do the backups, security and updates, but that is optional, and not required. If you choose Shopify, then yes, there will be ongoing cost’s from them.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF PLATFORMS…?

There is always an ongoing creation of new platforms, and we haven’t had the opportunity to test out each and every single platform there is online. Every developer is always trying to create the next Golden Goose, and time to time this happens. However, it hasn’t for a long time, and WooCommerce and Shopify still remain at the top of the ladder. The reason we recommend these, is also security and safety in numbers. A big company like that is less likely to ‘dissapear’ or close down, leaving you without a platform and potentially destroying your business.